Miami Heat Spotlight

MISSION

Since 1997, the Miami HEAT Charitable Fund has worked to improve the lives of at-risk families in the South Florida community by promoting organizations centered around 3 main pillars: youth programs, education, and health and wellness initiatives. At its core, the Miami HEAT Foundation wants to inspire the families and youth of South Florida.

PROGRAMS

Home Strong- To honor the brave men and women who have dedicated their lives to serving our country through participation in the United States Armed Forces, the Miami HEAT created a program that gives aid, support, and recognition to any individual affected or harmed during military service. Home Strong works in partnership with Ultimate Software, providing goods and services to military personnel and their families who have returned from serving in Iraq and Afghanistan and currently live in the South Florida region. There are currently three beneficiaries which include: HEAT Home Strong Recognition Program, Fisher House Foundation, and Rebuilding Together Miami-Dade.

HEAT Family Festival– Presented by Carnival Cruise Line, this event brings HEAT players, coaches, celebrities, and thousands of fans together to raise money for local charities. Unfortunately, the event has not been able to take place the past few years due to COVID-19 restrictions.

HEAT Golf Classic– This event allows golfers from all backgrounds to play at some of the most popular golf courses in the South Florida area. The proceeds accrued benefit the Miami HEAT Charitable Fund.

Miami HEAT Gala– This exclusive gala features a private dinner, live music, and a live auction. Guests can interact with HEAT players and coaches while simultaneously raising funds for the Miami HEAT Charitiable Fund. Since the events creation, the fund has been able to raise more than $10 million with the support of generous donors.

HEAT Home Court For Kids Wing At Holtz Children’s Hospital– Critically ill children are able to receive state-of-the-art assistance in the Holtz Children’s Hospital at Jackson Memorial through a joint donation made by Carnival Cruise Line and the Miami HEAT Charitable Fund.

HEAT Player Ticket Program– Tickets from every single HEAT home game are donated to local charitable organizations and grant children who may not have the means to attend a HEAT game the opportunity to not only enjoy a HEAT game, but also the opportunity to participate in a private “Meet & Greet” where the players interact with the children first-hand. During the 2019-2020 season over 5,000 children were able to attend a HEAT game for the first time.

HEAT Family Charity Group– Working in conjunction with the Miami HEAT Charitable Fund, the HEAT Family Charity Group works to assist the South Florida community through fundraising efforts for organizations such as the Domestic Violence Prevention Walk and the Annual SafeSpace Holiday Outreach initiative. The group consists of wives, mothers, and families of current HEAT coaches, players, and staff.